If you are looking for a domestic electrician then you will probably be looking for someone who is well trained and can undertake the work to a high and safe standard. Getting someone who knows a “bit about electricity” is not a good idea. The number of fires in the UK as a result of unsafe electrical work is frightening. Data from the Electrical Safety First website shows that in 2011/2012, wiring, cabling and plugs in the home caused 2899 fires, 223 injuries and 10 deaths. These are not nice statistics. If you are choosing a domestic electrician, here are 5 things to look out for:
- Competency
Check that the electrician has been trained and is registered with a recommended body. There is a great website which you can use to check for a competent electrical person in the UK. This register was launched in Parliament on 2nd July 2014 to make it easier for people to check for a competent registered electrician. Their aims are to raise awareness of electrical safety. You just pop in your postcode and you will be presented with a list of registered electricians in your area. It works for searches in Scotland as well as England and Wales. Using a registered competent electrician will ensure that they are licensed and have insurance.
- Pricing
Have they agreed a price up front with you? What you don’t want is for them to bill you at the end of the job. Choose someone who is experienced enough to understand how much time and effort is required to do the job. Jobs do over run and there might be unforeseen costs, but having a good dialogue with your electrician will ensure that this is never a surprise. It is also never a good idea just to get one quote for a job. You should try for three so that you can see whether your preferred electrician is not charging far too much.
- Common Sense
If you are having a rewire of your home there will be quite a lot of disruption over several days. Ask your electrician whether they will be able to ensure that you have power once they leave for the day. It may seem like common sense, but your electrician may think that a reduced capacity may be adequate whilst you know that it won’t!
- Manner
Are they pleasant and helpful when you have questions? Do they turn up when they say they will and provide a quote in a reasonable amount of time? Any doubts you have now may only be magnified once they start the work.
- Recommendations
Have they been referred by someone you know and trust? Or can you find online recommendations for their work? If not then it might be worth asking the electrician to provide some references to check.
We at Capital City Electrical know that there is a lot of choice in Edinburgh for a domestic electrician. But if you are looking for a safe, affordable pair of hands for your domestic electrical job then look no further and give us a call!